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YI'S Martial Arts Fitness Academy
4.6 ★★★★★ 65 Google reviews · Kickboxing gym in Wood River, Illinois
Training center for men, women, and children offering classes in martial arts, kickboxing, and self-defense.
Plan your first class
- Beginner-friendly all fitness levels welcome, including total beginners — no experience needed, and you get in shape by training, not before
- Kids & teen classes kids and teen kickboxing classes — built around confidence, focus, and fun
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule altonmartialarts.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (618) 251-5425
Hours
| Monday | 4:30–8 PM |
| Tuesday | 4:30–8:15 PM |
| Wednesday | 4:30–8:15 PM |
| Thursday | 4:30–8:15 PM |
| Friday | 4:30–8 PM |
| Saturday | 11 AM–1 PM |
| Sunday | 12–1 PM |
The classes they run
“Just started at the end of the year of 2025 and im already seeing good results in both my kids with learning to focus to learning new language in counting.”
“This is an excellent dojo and the teachers are very knowledgeable, kind and work very well with beginners of all ages.”
Other martial arts here
“Yi’s Martial Arts whether you are needing help with self-control, discipline, self-defense, or even fitness.”
What members say
“Master Chris is an amazing instructor with the patience of a saint.”
“Just started at the end of the year of 2025 and im already seeing good results in both my kids with learning to focus to learning new language in counting.”
“My daughter has learned so much as YMAFA. Self confidence, discipline and control.”
“Not only does she get a great physical workout, her self control and self-confidence have improved significantly.”
“Our family is so glad that we picked Master Chris to teach our boys martial arts.”
From the reviews
My son loves his class! Master Chris is amazing with the kids— patient, encouraging, and great at teaching discipline and respect in a fun way. I’ve noticed a positive change in his confidence since he started. He always looks forward to hid class, and as a parent, it’s so rewarding to see him proud of his progress.
Three grandkids in his studio. Great instructor. The instructors have the kids follow the Martial Art rules which in turn allows the kids to acknowledge rules as a part of life. They have a lot of fun activities also.
This is an excellent dojo and the teachers are very knowledgeable, kind and work very well with beginners of all ages. Our family is so glad that we picked Master Chris to teach our boys martial arts. But martial arts is not all the learn at Yi's.
I can't recommend Grandmaster Chris enough! I take several classes a week and always look forward to them. His teaching style is fantastic—he's patient, encouraging, and has a great eye for detail, ensuring everyone gets personalized feedback.
New to kickboxing? Start at YI'S Martial Arts Fitness Academy
YI'S Martial Arts Fitness Academy comes up as a beginner-friendly gym, going by their listing and members’ reviews. If you've never thrown a punch or a kick, that's exactly who a good beginners class is for. A few things worth knowing before your first week. First, you don't need to be fit or coordinated to start — you get in shape by training, not before it, and coaches scale every drill to you. Second, you won't be thrown into hard sparring — reputable gyms build the basics (stance, footwork, and punches and kicks on pads and bags) first, and any contact eases in gradually under a coach's control. Third, all fitness levels really are welcome — ask about a dedicated beginners or fundamentals class time so your first session is alongside others who are also starting out. Most gyms are happy to let you watch or try a class first, so reach out before you commit.
Your first kickboxing class at YI'S Martial Arts Fitness Academy
Nervous about walking into a kickboxing gym for the first time? Almost everyone is, and good coaches expect beginners to come through the door. Here's what to know. What to expect: a typical first class is a warm-up, then drilling the basics — stance, footwork, and punches and kicks on pads or a heavy bag — not hard sparring. Go at your own pace and rest whenever you need to; no one will bat an eye. What to wear: comfortable athletic clothes you can move and sweat in, and supportive trainers. What to bring: water, and hand wraps and gloves if you have them — many gyms lend loaner gloves for a first class, so it's worth asking when you call. As you keep training you'll add your own gloves and wraps (and shin guards once you start sparring). Sparring is optional and eases in gradually, once your basics are solid. Arrive 10–15 minutes early to sign a waiver and meet the coach. It gets easier fast — most people feel far more at home by their third class.
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